Research

Research conducted by Deborah on Positive Psychology and Mindfulness

Research

Mindfulness & losing weight

In 2015 Deborah designed and ran qualitative research into the effects of mindfulness on people seeking to lose weight in a UK Weight Watchers meeting. She chose to focus on this subject due to the global obesity crisis and following her work in designing, developing and implementing positive psychology and mindfulness into the Weight Watchers programme.

Deborah’s intention was to create a programme that was relatively easy to implement and integrate into everyday life thus making it sustainable and manageable for people and economically viable to be introduced to a wide audience.

Findings

The summary of Deborah’s findings are:

Positive impacts were felt within the participants lives generally and specifically within their weight loss journey

Unanimous agreement from the participants of the positive lived experience of the introduction and practises of mindfulness

All participants reported having more awareness of their:

Emotional self

Physical self

Stress levels

Eating habits

Reduction of stress levels

There was a shift in attitude towards themselves – from harsh judgemental attitude to a non-judgemental, gentler, kinder, internal voice

A crucial shift in facilitating self-care; a vital aspect of weight loss

Results indicate that this model could be scaled up

Reflection of the same positive results would be likely to be mirrored within the parent population

Mindfulness in schools

In 2004 Deborah designed and ran qualitative pilot studies teaching mindfulness meditation to children in two state schools in the South West of England. Firstly, in a primary school with children ranging from ages 6-11 years old. Secondly, in a secondary school focusing on teenagers, particularly those experiencing stress in the run up to exams. The results were very positive.

Findings

The overall findings were as follows:

Children reported:

Reduction in stress levels

Reduction in feelings of anger

Feeling calmer

Feeling happier

Feeling more open and receptive to learning

The above was echoed by the teachers

Teachers reported a difference in the children’s behaviour and their ability to absorb information Reports came from parents of the various benefits observed within the children

Mindfulness is now being taught in various schools across the UK and the world, even as far as New Zealand!

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